NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Dolphins RD11, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will head to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to take on the Dolphins in a Magic Round clash, with kick-off set for 8:05pm (AEST). Sitting in fourth position on the ladder with six wins from nine games, the Rabbitohs will be looking to consolidate their spot in the top four against a Dolphins side that currently sits ninth with four wins and five losses. The Red and Green come into this match off the back of a dominant 36-12 victory over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in round 10.
This match carries added significance as part of the Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship, a competition which will see over $200,000 donated to charities nominated by partner clubs. The Rabbitohs' nominated charity is Souths Cares. The Club will also be participating in the NRL's Kick for a Cause, with $1,000 being donated to the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation for every successful conversion and penalty goal kicked during Magic Round.
Former Rabbitohs international Issac Luke will ring the Rabbitohs Legacy Bell as the NRL team takes to the field in the first half, adding a special touch to what promises to be an exciting evening in Brisbane.
The Rabbitohs produced a dominant performance to open the 2026 season, claiming a convincing 40-30 victory over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium in round one. Latrell Mitchell was electric, crossing for two tries, while Campbell Graham bagged a double of his own as the Red and Green set the tone for the year with a statement win on the Dolphins' home turf. With South Sydney having already proven they can get the job done at this venue, the Rabbitohs will be full of confidence heading into Friday night's rematch and looking to make it back-to-back wins against the Dolphins at Suncorp.
The Dolphins have found some momentum of their own in recent weeks, entering this match on a two-game winning streak. They defeated the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 44-12 in round 10 and the Melbourne Storm 28-10 in round nine. Prior to that, they had lost three consecutive matches.
Team Changes
Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named Latrell Mitchell to return in the centres, with Latrell Siegwalt reverting to the interchange bench. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape has also been named to return on the wing in place of the injured Alex Johnston. Johnston, who holds the all-time NRL try-scoring record with 224 career tries, will be a notable absence from the side. Matthew Dufty has been named on the interchange in jersey 14, and sits just two games away from 100 career NRL appearances.
For the Dolphins, Kurt Donoghoe, Oryn Keeley and Trai Fuller have been added to the extended squad. Their starting 17 features a strong forward pack with Thomas Flegler and Francis Molo in the front row, Morgan Knowles at lock and experienced campaigner Felise Kaufusi on the interchange. Jeremy Marshall-King provides additional hooking options from the bench alongside Max Plath, who starts in the number nine jersey.
Match Details and Where To Watch
Fixture: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins.
Date: Friday 15 May.
Kick-off: 8:05pm (AEST).
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
